Philly Cheesesteak (Beef and Provolone Sandwich)
Why this recipe works
- Fast griddle-style cooking: Thin slices of ribeye cook in minutes, making the sandwich quick without sacrificing tenderness.
- Onion-built flavour: Soft, lightly golden onions add sweetness and depth before being mixed through the savoury beef.
- Cheese melts into the filling: Provolone is melted directly over the beef and onions, helping bind the filling before it goes into the roll.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose a tender cut: Ribeye works well because its marbling stays juicy during fast, high-heat cooking.
- Slice the beef thinly: Briefly chilling the beef firms it up, making it easier to cut thinly across the grain.
- Use a soft roll: A hoagie roll should be sturdy enough to hold the filling but soft enough to absorb the juices.
Common mistakes
- Using a pan that is too cool: The beef should sear quickly; if the pan is not hot enough, it can steam and lose its savoury browned flavour.
- Cooking the beef too long: Thin ribeye dries out quickly, so cook it just until done and still juicy before melting the cheese.
- Assembling too early: Fill the rolls just before serving so the bread stays soft rather than wet.
Make-ahead tips
- Keep the rolls separate: Store the beef and onions apart from the hoagie rolls to prevent the bread from turning soggy.
- Reheat the filling gently: Warm the beef and onions in a frying pan over medium heat with a small splash of water, then melt the cheese just before assembling.
- Best eaten fresh: The sandwich has the best texture when served straight after the cheese melts.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Halve the onion and slice it thinly. Slice the ribeye as thinly as you can; if it is tricky, chill it briefly so it firms up, then slice. Split the rolls lengthways, keeping a hinge if you like.
- Heat a large cast-iron frying pan over medium-high heat and add the sunflower oil. Add the onion with a pinch of the salt and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring, until soft and lightly golden. Tip the onion to one side of the pan.
- Add the beef to the empty side of the pan in an even layer and season with the remaining salt and the black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then toss and chop through with a spatula until just cooked and still juicy. Mix the onions through the beef.
- Divide the beef and onions into two piles and lay the provolone over each. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to scoop each cheesy pile into a roll and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the thinnest slices, chill the ribeye for 10 minutes before slicing, then cut across the grain.
- Keep the heat high enough to brown the beef quickly, but do not overcook it; it should stay juicy.
- If serving anyone who is pregnant, elderly, or immunocompromised, make sure the beef is cooked through and the cheese is fully melted and piping hot.
Substitutions
- Replace provolone cheese with mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt.
- Replace sunflower oil with olive oil for a fruitier flavour.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the beef and onions separately from the hoagie roll in an airtight container. Reheat the filling in a frying pan over medium heat with a splash of water until piping hot, then add the cheese to melt and assemble in fresh rolls.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 30min (25min active)
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cuisine: American
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Allergens:
Gluten Milk Wheat
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